Assembly bracket in partitioning system for temporary and flexible-use structures

ABSTRACT

A temporary, non-fixed partitioning system includes a common assembly bracket that can be readily assembled with a wall panel formed of various standard dimensioned building supplies. The wall panels may include a standard door slab, a standard window sash, standard dimensional lumber, a peg board, a chalk board, a whiteboard, a corrugated cardboard panel, a foam board, a gator board, a fiberglass panel, a cork panel, a plastic panel, an upholstered panel, a wood panel, and an acrylic-based or silica-based glass panel, and may also be suitable for receiving custom or desired printing of designs, indicia or other nomenclature. The partitioning system could be provided in a kit form with a plurality of common assembly brackets and wall panels, which are reconfigurable for a variety of uses such as co-working space, trade show booths, or lobby displays.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/452,032, filed on Jan. 30, 2017. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an indoor/outdoorpartitioning or temporary structure configuration system for use inbranding/business development, short-term interior construction,disaster-relief, emergency preparedness, epidemiological and biohazardcontainment uses, fair and festival events, governmental administration,health care and medical treatment, temporary event displays and housing,trade show presentations, workspace solutions, and/or relatedapplications and, more particularly, to an easy-to-assemble, flexible,and modular short-term, specific use, and/or temporary workspacesolution that utilizes an assembly bracket configured to receive variouspanels for constructing a partitioning system

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Open areas and venues, including large office spaces and other openand/or temporary work and display areas may be divided into smaller ordiscrete workspaces or workstations by various types of partitioningsystems. Such systems typically include interconnected wall panels thatsubdivide an office space into multiple smaller workspaces. Systems ofthis type are often preferred over traditional interior build outs usingpermanent architectural building walls such as with studs and drywall.Known partitioning system can be effectively used to subdivide abuilding space, and at the same time provide flexibility forreconfiguring the office space.

In subdividing open office areas into individual workstations, theindividual wall panels typically include a complex coupling mechanismthat is concealed when the panels are joined in an end-to-end manner.Different coupling mechanisms are required when it is desirable to joinpanels in a perpendicular matter. Typically, a common panel constructionis used to construct all of the walls of the workstations. While suchsystems, more commonly known in the prior art as “cubicles” providesegregated workstations for a variety of uses, they are also known tolack options or other customizable features and display formats lackthat may be desirable for some business or other vocationalapplications.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, a simplified buildable andmodular solution is provided for a variety of indoor and outdoorbusiness, event, and task-oriented, and workspace functions using atemporary, non-fixed partitioning system having a common assemblybracket that can be readily assembled with infill or wall panelsselected from various standard dimensioned building supplies to form apartitioning system. The partitioning system could be provided in a kitform with a plurality of common assembly brackets and wall panels, whichare reconfigurable for a variety of uses such as co-working space, tradeshow booths, or lobby displays.

In addition, the present disclosure provides an expandable, flexible,and modular short-term or temporary construction system which can beadapted for use in a large variety of indoor and outdoor locations tonot only facilitate business, furniture, office, and work-related needsand tasks, but also deployment of specific-use and temporary structuresto aid and respond to needs in the area of disaster-relief, emergencypreparedness, epidemiological and biohazard containment uses, fair andfestival events, governmental administration, health care and medicaltreatment, temporary event displays and even short-term housing ofothers. The present disclosure also allows for the configuration,design, and printing on the panels and other components of thepartitioning system to allow for customized or specific uses, such ascultural and ethnic content, language, murals, photographs, and symbols,children's playrooms and temporary “themed” structures, dressing roomsfor performances, historical and educational-themed content, athleticteam and alumni events, and business conference content. While it iscontemplated that the majority of such applications and uses of thepresent disclosure would be placed in the interior portion of anexisting building or structure, the system could also be adapted fortemporary and/or recurring outdoor events or festivals by securing thesystem to the ground or attaching portions of it to nearby and existingfixed structures. Still further, the present disclosure allows for theconfiguration, design, and use as articles of furniture and otherfunctional products having horizontal and/or vertical surfaces, such asbeds, benches, chairs, desks, tables, conference room furniture,reception areas, seating areas, kiosks, and displays. For example, theexpandable, flexible, modular nature of the present disclosure andsystem can be adapted to variety of configurations and designs forhousehold and office furniture applications. Moreover, the expandable,flexible, modular nature of such systems may be configured to provide astructure which is freestanding or alternately a structure that isattached to adjacent structures.

The system includes a common assembly bracket configured to be readilyformed by an extrusion process while maintaining sufficient structuralrigidity for securely supporting the wall panels either in afreestanding configuration or through compression support between afloor structure and a ceiling structure. In one configuration, theassembly bracket has a hash mark or tic-tac-toe board cross sectionincluding a closed central section and four sets of flanges extendingoutwardly from the from the central section. The flanges are laterallyoffset with respect to the walls forming the central section and filletsare formed at the joint between the central section and the flanges. Aset of internal webs triangulate the central section to provideadditional structural rigidity for the assembly bracket. The assemblybracket may be configured to provide two sets of flanges extending fromthe closed central section in a parallel or perpendicular orientation orto provide three sets of flanges extending from the closed centralsection in an angular orientation.

A threaded bore may be provided at one or both ends of the commonassembly bracket to receive a foot or height adjustment element. Thethreaded bore may be formed in a plug or end cap secured within thecentral section or may be formed in a boss supported by the set ofinternal webs within the central section. The foot or height adjustmentelement includes a threaded shank portion received in the threaded boreand an enlarged head portion formed on an end thereof.

The spacing between each set of flanges on the common assembly bracketis dimensioned to releasably receive a wall panel. In one configuration,the common assembly bracket is dimension to receive building materialshaving a standardize thickness. For example, the wall panel may includestandard 1⅜″ thick door slabs or window sashes and/or framing usingvarious other materials with little or no modifications. While thisthickness may be preferable as standard configurations, it should berecognized that the gauge or thickness of the infill or wall panels mayvary depending upon the desired use and application, as well as theunderlying dimensions of the indoor or outdoor space to be utilized.Examples of wall panel configurations or types may include peg board,chalk board, whiteboard, corrugated cardboard, foam board, gator board,fiberglass, cork, plastic, fabric, wood, acrylic-based or silica-basedglass, etc. The chosen wall panel may also be capable of being waxed,colored, printed-upon or receiving wood or other veneers for the desiredlook and feel, such as a camouflage design for hunting, shanty, and/orother recreational uses as well as flame-resistant panels for industrialand manufacturing applications. Alternately, a shim may be inserted intothe common assembly bracket to accommodate thinner wall panels. The shimdimensions will be dependent on the difference between the flangespacing an the infill or wall panel thickness. For example, shims may beused to accommodate various wall panels having thicknesses in a rangefrom about ½″ to about 1⅜″. Fasteners may be inserted through theassembly bracket into the wall panels for securing attaching thesecomponents together.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an elevation showing a temporary, non-fixed partitioningsystem including a common assembly bracket and a variety of panelssupported within an open building space;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly bracket shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken through the assembly bracket shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of an alternate configuration for the assemblybracket;

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross section of a 90° version of the assemblybracket;

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross section of a 45° version of the assemblybracket;

FIG. 5C is a schematic cross section of a “H” bracket designconfiguration of the assembly bracket;

FIG. 6 is a cross section showing the assembly bracket with a shim toaccommodate wall panels of various thicknesses;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an exemplary lay out for atemporary space;

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing another exemplary layout for atemporary space;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a temporary wall assembly having anauxiliary power strip; and

FIG. 10 is an elevation showing the assembly bracket of FIG. 9.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings. There is no intention to be limited by anyprinciple presented in the preceding background or the followingdetailed description.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a temporary, non-fixed partitioning system10 includes a plurality of common assembly brackets 12 and a variety ofinfill or wall panels 14 extending between adjacent assembly brackets12. Feet 16 may extend from the bottom of the assembly brackets 12 tosupport the partitioning system 10 on the floor within an open buildingspace in a freestanding manner. Height adjustment elements 18 may alsoextend from the top of the assembly brackets 12 to the ceiling forfurther securing the partitioning system 10 in the open building space.As shown in FIG. 1, the wall panels 14 may be constructed in differentlengths and widths (i.e., surface area) or from diverse materials basedon the specifications and desired effect for the partitioning system 10.However, as further detailed below, the panels 14 have a constantthickness, preferably standard dimensioned building supplies such asstandard door slabs having a thickness of 1⅜″ or 2× dimensional lumberhaving a nominal thickness of 1½″.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the assembly bracket 12 is an elongatedmember that may vary in length depending on the desired height ofpartitioning system 10. For example, in an open building space havingnine foot high ceilings, the assembly bracket may be eight (8) feet inlength such that the partitioning system 10 may be adequately spacedfrom the ceiling to provide clearance for building utilities (e.g.,electrical, HVAC, fire suppression) that may traverse the room. Assemblybracket 12 of different lengths may be used to construct half-walls orother partition configurations.

With reference to FIG. 3, the assembly bracket 12 includes a closedcentral section 20 and a first pair of flanges 22.1, 24.1, a second pairof flanges 22.2, 24.2, a third pair of flanges 22.3, 24.3 and a fourthpair of flanges 22.4, 24.4 (collectively referred to as flanges 22, 24)extending outwardly from the central section 20. The first pair offlanges 22.1, 24.1 and the third pair of flanges 22.3, 24.3 aresymmetric about a first plane FP passing through a longitudinal axis Aof the assembly bracket. The second pair of flanges 22.2, 24.2 and thefourth pair of flanges 22.4, 24.4 are symmetric about a second plane SPpassing through the longitudinal axis A of the assembly bracket 12. Thesecond plane SP is perpendicular to the first plane FP. The assemblybracket 12 is configured to receive up to four wall panels. In thismanner, the central section 20 forms a square cross section and flanges22, 24 extend outwardly from each side of the central section 20 to forma hash mark or tic-tac-toe board cross section. The flanges 22, 24 arelaterally offset with respect to the walls 26 forming the centralsection 20. Fillets 30 are formed at the joint between the flanges 22,24 and the walls 26.

FIG. 4 illustrates the assembly bracket 12′ in an alternate form thatincludes a closed central section 20′ and flanges 22′, 24′ extendingoutwardly from the central section 20′. The assembly bracket 12′ isconfigured to receive up to four wall panels. In a preferred embodiment,the central section 20 forms a square cross section and flanges 22′, 24′extend outwardly from each side of the central section 20′ to form ahash mark or tic-tac-toe board cross section. The central section 20′has internal webs 28′ formed therein to triangulate the walls 26′ forproviding additional structural rigidity to the assembly bracket 12′.Fillets 30′ are formed at the joint between the flanges 22′, 24′, thewalls 26′ and the internal webs 28′.

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate assembly brackets 50, 60, 70, whichare structurally similar to the bracket 12 shown in FIG. 3 or bracket12′ shown in FIG. 4, but provide alternate configuration. The assemblybracket 50 as shown in FIG. 5A is configured as a 90° assembly bracketfor receiving up to two wall panels in a perpendicular orientation.Assembly bracket 50 includes a closed central section 52 and flanges 54,56 extending outwardly from the central section 52. A corner support 58is shown extending between flanges 54, 56 for accommodating a horizontalsurface such as a bench, seat, shelf or other desired structure for theuser. The assembly bracket 60 as shown in FIG. 5B is configured toreceive up to three wall panels in an angular orientation. Assemblybracket 60 includes a closed central section 62 and flanges 64, 66extending outwardly from the central section 62. The assembly bracket 70as shown in FIG. 5C is configured to receive up to two wall panels in aparallel orientation. Assembly bracket 70 includes a closed centralsection 72 and flanges 74, 76 extending outwardly from the centralsection 72. The assembly bracket 70 is configured to receive up to twowall panels in a parallel orientation.

With reference again to FIG. 2, a plug 32 is disposed in the centralsection 20 and secured at an end of the assembly bracket 12 by anysuitable means including frictional engagement, mechanical fasteners,adhesives or the like. A threaded bore 34 may be formed in the plug 32for receiving a threaded shank 36 (FIGS. 1 and 9) associated with a foot16 or height adjustment element 18. A head 38 formed at the end of theshank 36 provides a load bearing surface for supporting the assemblybracket 12 between the floor F and/or ceiling C. The head 38 may becovered or coated with a pliable material to prevent slippage and/ormarring at the contact interface. With reference again to FIG. 4, a boss32′ having a threaded bore 34′ may be formed in the internal webs 28′for receiving the threaded shank 36 of a foot or height adjustmentelement as described above.

With reference now to FIG. 6, the assembly bracket 12 is configured toreceive an edge of the wall panel 14 between the flanges 22, 24. Afastener 42 (also shown in FIG. 2) may be inserted into one or moreholes 40 extending through the flanges 22, 24 and into the wall panelfor releasably securing these components together. Alternately, fastener42 may be a self-drilling/tapping fastener used to secure the assemblybracket 12 to the wall panel 14 without requiring pre-drilled holes. Thedistance D between the inside surfaces of flanges 22, 24 is configuredto receive standard dimensioned building supplies, and preferably thedistance D is 1½″ so that it receives a standard door slab, window sashor various other materials with little or no modifications. Other wallpanel configurations may include peg board, chalk board, whiteboard,corrugated cardboard, foam board, gator board, fiberglass, cork,plastic, fabric, wood, acrylic-based or silica-based glass, etc. In somecircumstances, the thickness d of the wall panel 14 may be less that thedistance D, in which case a shim 44 may be used on the edge of the panel14 such that it has a nominal dimension equal to the distance D, forexample 1½″. Furthermore, the wall panel may be laminated, coated,painted or pre-treated, for example to provide a fire-retardant quality.The wall panel may also be printed with designs, logos, images,lettering or the like. A particularly cost-effective embodiment uses 1½″thick corrugated cardboard wall panels 14 with the assembly brackets 12to provide a relatively lightweight partitioning system 10 that is alsorecyclable.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the partitioning system 10may be readily configured in a multitude of lay outs with variousfunctionality depending on the intended purpose of the workspacesolution. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a partitioning system 100configured as rectangular interior office layout. Four assembly brackets12.1 serve as corner posts, three of which receive a pair of wall panels14 oriented at 90°. Four additional assembly brackets 12.2 serve asintermediate wall studs and each receives a pair of wall panels orientedat 180°. While different reference numbers are assigned to the cornerbrackets 12.1 and the intermediate wall studs 12.2, one skilled in theart will understand that these assembly brackets may be selected fromthe assembly brackets shown and described in reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and5A-5C based on the configuration, functionality and/or availability ofany given assembly bracket. As shown in FIG. 7, the partitioning system100 is positioned adjacent to a fixed wall 102 in the building space. Inthis arrangement, it may be advantageous to provide a gasket or seal 104in the flanges of the assembly brackets 12 extending towards the fixedwall 102.

Layouts that are more complicated are readily constructed from the samekit of components. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a partitioning system200 configured as a multi-functional workspace having a closet area 202,an entrance hall 204 and a square office space 206. Similar topartitioning system 100, several bracket assemblies 12.1 serve as cornerposts, which receive a pair of wall panels 14 oriented at 90°. Severalbracket assemblies 12.2 serve as intermediate wall studs, which receivea pair of wall panels 14 oriented at 180°. A filler strip 208 may beinserted between the flanges of the bracket assembly 12.2. These fillerstrips 208 may be decorative or provide some functionality as furtherdescribed below. In addition, several bracket assemblies 12.3 serve asdoor jams from which a door 210 can be hung on hinges or configured as asliding door or barn slider (not shown). While different referencenumbers are assigned to the corner brackets 12.1, the intermediate wallstuds 12.2 and door jams 12.3, one skilled in the art will understandthat these assembly brackets may be structurally similar to the brackets12, 12′ shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a portion of a partitioning system300 is shown to include an assembly bracket 12 supporting wall panels14. Flanges 22, 24 extending from the assembly bracket 12 receive afiller strip in the form of a power strip 308 having a power cord 310and a plurality of power outlets 312. The power cord 310 may be pluggedinto an electrical service circuit (not shown) wired along the ceiling Cof an open building space. The power strip 308 may include LEDs or otherlights 314 for indicating the power status of the power strip 308 or forproviding ambient or accent lighting in the workspace. The power strip308 may also include a switch 316 for turning ON and OFF the poweroutlets 312 and/or the lights 314.

While FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a filler strip in the form of a powerstrip, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the filler strip mayincorporate other functionality. For example, the filler strip may beconfigured with a magnetic strip, a pin board, a pegboard, a coat hook,or a mount for pictures, shelves, display monitors, desktops or thelike.

The individual components of a partitioning system 10 described hereinmay be compiled and provided as a kit that includes a plurality ofassembly brackets 12, 12′, 50, 60, 70 and a plurality of wall panels 14with the associated hardware such as feet 16, height adjustment elements18 and fasteners 42. Alternately, if the end user wants to incorporatestandard building materials, the assembly brackets and associatedhardware may be provided separately.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. An assembly bracket for a temporary, non-fixed partitioning systemcomprising an elongated member having a closed central section, at leasttwo pair of flanges extending outwardly from the central section, and afillet formed at each joint between the central section and each flange,wherein each pair of flanges is equally spaced apart to receive a wallpanel having a standard thickness.
 2. The assembly bracket according toclaim 1, wherein the at least two pair of flanges are symmetric about aplane passing through a longitudinal axis of the assembly bracket. 3.The assembly bracket according to claim 1 further comprising four pairsof flanges extending outwardly from the central section.
 4. The assemblybracket according to claim 3, wherein first and third pairs of flangesare symmetric about a first plane passing through a longitudinal axis ofthe assembly bracket, and second and fourth pairs of flanges aresymmetric about a second plane passing through a longitudinal axis ofthe assembly bracket that is perpendicular to the first plane.
 5. Theassembly bracket according to claim 1 wherein the standard thickness is1½ inches.
 6. The assembly bracket according to claim 1 furthercomprising a set of internal webs triangulating the central section. 7.The assembly bracket according to claim 7 further comprising a bosssupported by the set of internal webs within the central section,wherein the boss has a threaded bore formed therethrough, which isconfigured to receive a threaded shank of a height adjustment element.8. The assembly bracket according to claim 1 further comprising a plugreceived within the central section at an end of the assembly bracket,the plug having a threaded bore formed therethrough configured toreceive a threaded shank of a height adjustment element. 9-20.(canceled)
 21. The assembly bracket according to claim 1, wherein eachpair of flanges is laterally offset with respect to a wall forming thecentral section.
 22. An assembly bracket comprising: an elongated memberhaving four walls forming a closed central section, a pair of flangesextending outwardly from each of the four walls to form a hash markcross section, wherein each pair of flanges is laterally offset from thecentral section such that an inner surface of the flange aligns with anouter surface of a wall parallel to the flange.
 23. The assembly bracketaccording to claim 22, further comprising a fillet formed at each jointbetween an outer surface of adjacent flanges.
 24. The assembly bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein each pair of flanges is equally spacedapart and configured to receive a wall panel having a standardthickness.
 25. The assembly bracket according to claim 24, wherein thestandard thickness is 1½ inches.
 26. The assembly bracket according toclaim 22, further comprising a set of internal webs triangulating thecentral section.
 27. The assembly bracket according to claim 26, furthercomprising a boss supported by the set of internal webs within theclosed central section.
 28. The assembly bracket according to claim 27,further comprising a height adjustment element having a threaded shank,wherein the boss has a threaded bore formed therethrough configured toreceive the threaded shank of the height adjustment element.
 29. Theassembly bracket according to claim 22, further comprising: a plugreceived within the closed central section at an end of the assemblybracket and having a threaded bore formed therethrough; and a heightadjustment element having a threaded shank received within the threadedshank of a height adjustment element.